ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Amendment of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
Cabinet approves Amendment of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the introduction of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains  Bill, 2017 in the Parliament.
To make way for certain constructions limited strictly to public works and projects essential to public within the prohibited area, the following amendments have been approved:
i) Insertion of a new definition of “public works” in section 2 of the Act.
ii) Amendment to section 20A of the Act so as to allow any Department or Office of the Central Government to carry out public works in the prohibited area after obtaining permission from the Central Government.
iii) Insertion of a new clause  to section 20-I of the principal Act
Background:
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains Act, 1958  prohibits grant of any permission for new construction within the prohibited area of a centrally protected monument/ site.
Prohibition of new construction within prohibited area is adversely impacting various public works and developmental projects of the Central Government.
The amendment will pave way for certain constructions limited strictly to public works and projects essential to public within the prohibited area and benefit the public at large.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Government to release Tur from national buffer till imported stocks arrive in Indian market; Tur to be disposed through online auction among eligible millers
Move to augment the availability of Tur Dal to consumers at affordable prices
The Government has decided to release Tur from the national buffer in a calibrated and targeted manner till imported stocks arrive in the Indian market. The Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has directed National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation  and National Cooperative Consumers Federation  to dispose of Tur through online auction among eligible millers to augment the available stocks for milling into Tur Dal for the consumers.
The quantities being auctioned and the frequency will be calibrated on the basis of the assessed impact of the disposal on the availability of Tur to consumers at affordable prices.
It may be recalled that the Government had, on 2nd June, 2023, imposed stock limits on Tur and Urad by invoking the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in order to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation and also to improve affordability to the consumers. Under this order, stock limits have been prescribed for Tur and Urad until 31st October 2023 for all states and UTs.
Stock limits applicable to each of the pulses individually are 200 MT for wholesalers; 5 MT for retailers; 5 MT at each retail outlet and 200 MT at depot for big chain retailers; last 3 months of production or 25% of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher, for the millers. The order has also made it mandatory for these entities to declare the stock position on the portal  of the Department.
The implementation of stock limit order and status of stock disclosure on the portal are continuously monitored by the Department of Consumers Affairs and the State Governments. In this regard, data on stocks held by various entities in warehouses of Central Warehousing Corporation  and State Warehousing Corporations , stocks pledged by market players with banks etc. have been crosschecked against the quantities declared on the stock disclosure portal.
The State Governments are continuously monitoring the prices in their respective States and are verifying the stock positions of stock-holding entities in order to take strict action on those who violated the stock limits order.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
NSIC signs MOU with Ministry of MSME
The National Small Industries Corporation Limited  signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  for the year 2019-20. The MOU was signed by Ram Mohan Mishra, AS & DC and CMD  with Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, Secretary, MSME, in the presence of Alka Nangia Arora, Joint Secretary, SME, Mercy Epao, Director , P. Udaya kumar, Director -P&M  and A.K. Mittal, Director-Finance .
The MOU envisages provision of enhanced services by NSIC under its marketing, financial, technology and other support services schemes for MSMEs in the country. The Corporation projects to increase Revenue from Operationby 22% from Rs. 2540 crore in the year 2018-19 to 3100 crore in the year 2019-20. NSIC also projects growth of 32% in Profitability during the year 2019-20. The Corporation also plans to enhance its activities in the areas of imparting entrepreneurship and skill development training by targeting 45% growth in the number of trainees.
Under the scheme of National SC-ST Hub being implemented by NSIC on behalf of the Ministry of MSME, it will be a continued endeavour to provide assistance to SC/ST entrepreneurs through different interventions and various outreach activities with the overall objectives to increase their participation in public procurement.
Dr. A.K. Panda, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, while appreciating the performance of NSIC, suggested that greater efforts should be made to expand the reach of NSIC so that it may serve larger number of MSMEs in the country.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
OIL felicitates its officer Mouma Das, Padma Shri awardee 2021
Oil India Limited , India’s second largest National Exploration & Production Company, felicitated Mouma Das, a renowned Table Tennis player & an officer of OIL, at its corporate Office in Noida yesterday for her outstanding achievements and on being conferred with Padma Shri award in recognition of her exceptional and distinguished service in the field of sports by Hon’ble President of India.
Shri S.C Mishra, CMD, OIL felicitated Mouma Das in the presence of senior officials of OIL. On the occasion, Shri Mishra congratulated Ms Das for her achievements and also presented a cheque of Rs. 6.00 lakhs to her. Ms Das is working with OIL since 1999 and is currently serving OIL as Manager  at its Kolkata Office. Ms Das is also a recipient of Arjuna Award in 2013 for her outstanding performance in Table Tennis.
Mouma Das is an Indian Table Tennis player. She has represented India at various national & international games including Athens 2004 and Rio 2016 Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Championships, World Championships and many others. She has won 19 Commonwealth Medals including 5 in Commonwealth Games and 14 in Commonwealth Championship, most be any Indian women Table Tennis player, She has also participated in 17 World Championship since 1997 which is a record participation by any Indian player.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
Active Caseload further declines to 23,43,152
Active Cases decrease by 76,755 in last 24 hours
At 1.86 Lakh Cases, declining trend in new cases continues.
Daily new cases are lowest in last 44 days.
2,48,93,410 total Recoveries across the country so far.
2,59,459patients recovered during last 24 hours.
Recoveries continue to outnumber the Daily New Cases for the 15th consecutive day
Recovery Rate increases to 90.34%
Weekly Positivity Rate currently at 10.42%
Daily positivity rate at 9.00%, less than 10% for 4 consecutive days.
20.57 Cr. Vaccine Doses administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
Testing capacity substantially ramped up- 20.7 lakh tests conducted in last 24 hours
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Approximately 70% more Wheat procured by Government agencies during current RMS in comparison to corresponding period of last year
About 292.52 LMT Wheat procured in Central Pool up to 02.05.2021
Around 28.80 Lakh Wheat farmers benefitted from the ongoing RMS procurement Operations
Punjab farmers are now receiving payments directly into their bank accounts against the sale of their Wheat crop without any delay; Rs. 17,495 Crore already transferred directly into Punjab farmers’ account
MSP Operations during Rabi Marketing Season 2021-22 in full swing
Mission "One Nation, One MSP, One DBT " taking firm shape
In the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season  2021-22, Government of India is continuing to procure Rabi crops at MSP from farmers as per existing Price Support Scheme.About 28.80 Lakh Wheat farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing RMS procurement Operations.
About Rs17,495 Crore has already been transferred directly into Punjab farmers’ account during ongoing RMS 2021-22. This is for the first time that the farmers of Punjab have started receiving payments directly into their bank accounts against sale of their Wheat crop.
Wheat procurement is going on at brisk pace in the procuring States/UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other States with purchase of over 292.52 LMT upto 02nd May 2021. This is an increase of approx. 70 % against the last year corresponding purchase of 171.53 LMT.
Out of the total purchase of 292.52 LMT wheat, major contribution has been made by Punjab- 114.76 LMT , Haryana- 80.55 LMT  and Madhya Pradesh -73.76 LMT  upto 02nd May 2021.
About Rs 17,495 crore in Punjab and around Rs 9268.24 crore in Haryana has been transferred directly into farmers’ account corresponding to procurement up to 30th April 2021.
This year, a new chapter has been added in the history of public procurement when Haryana and Punjab also switched from indirect payment of MSP to direct online transfer of benefits to farmers’ bank account by all the procuring agencies as per direction of GOI, which is being rejoiced by the farmers of Punjab/Haryana as for the first time they are receiving direct benefits against sale of their hard toiled crops without any delay and cuts under “One Nation, One MSP, One DBT”.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Youth 20  Brainstorming Session on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Held at BITS Pilani Goa
Goa | August 2, 2023
BITS Pilani Goa, in collaboration with the Goa State Biodiversity Board  and Goa State Climate Change Cell, successfully conducted a Youth 20  brainstorming session focused on Climate Change and Disaster Risk on August 1, 2023. The session, supported by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries  and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aimed to address critical issues relevant to Goa.
The event witnessed the active participation of renowned experts and stakeholders from the fields of climate change and disaster risk management. Prof. Suman Kundu, the Director of BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of the G20 platform in fostering research and innovation in the field of science.
The chief guest, Prof. Sunil Singh, Director of The National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, brought his expertise to shed light on the impacts of CO2 emissions and global warming, with a particular focus on the escalating effects of climate change on coastal regions and island nations in the Global South. Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Pradip V Sarmokadam from GSBB, Prof. Rajiv K Chaturvedi, and Dr. Bappa Das from ICAR, who provided valuable insights during the session. Dr. Pradeep V Sarmokadam, Nodal Officer, Climate Change Cell, Government of Goa, stressed the importance of inclusiveness in climate change discussions and reiterated the workshop's purpose and expectations. The panelists advocated for climate-smart actions to drive climate-resilient solutions.
The event featured presentations by experts such as Dr. Rajeev Kumar Chathurvedi, an Associate Professor at BITS, Dr. Bappa Das, an Agricultural Meteorology Scientist at ICAR, and Ms. Gauree Malkarnekar, a Senior Environmental Correspondent at TOI, Goa. Their valuable contributions added depth to the discussions surrounding climate change and disaster risk. Additionally, Er. Shruti Adpaikar, a Project Scientist at GCCC, and Mr. Gopal Sarkate and Mr. Pratik Gholap from NABARD Goa, brought their diverse expertise to the table, enriching the dialogue and reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling the challenges posed by climate change. The event marked a significant milestone in engaging the youth and fostering a collective commitment towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
During the session, five key questions were addressed, focusing on climate change's impact on disasters, improving Disaster Risk Reduction  plans for Goa, the role of Science & Technology in DRR, enhancing DRR communication to citizens, and addressing financial and operational challenges in improving DRR in the face of climate change.
The insights and outcomes from this brainstorming meeting will be compiled into a comprehensive report and submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of Guru Nanak Jayanti
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the nation on the eve of Guru Nanak Jayanti today. Following is the full text of his message -
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji has remained an embodiment of truth, compassion, and righteousness through his noble life. His divine teachings will continue to inspire us to follow the path of righteousness and show respect for all humankind irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji also taught us to follow an ethical path in life. He was a shining apostle of the sublime spiritual ethos of India who truly democratized religion by taking spirituality to the common man.
May his eternal message continue to guide us in building a just, humane and harmonious society.”
संदेश
“गुरु नानक देव जी की जयंती के पावन अवसर पर मैं सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
सिख धर्म के संस्थापक गुरु नानक देव जी अपने सदाचारी जीवन के माध्यम से सत्य, करुणा और नेकी की प्रतिमूर्ति थे। उनकी दिव्य शिक्षाएं हमें नेकी के मार्ग पर चलने तथा जाति, संप्रदाय या धर्म से हटकर सभी मनुष्यों के प्रति आदर भाव रखने के लिए प्रेरित करती रहेंगी।
गुरु नानक देव जी ने हमें नैतिकता के रास्ते पर चलना भी सिखाया। वे भारत के उदात्त आध्यात्मिक लोकाचार के एक यशस्वी प्रचारक थे जिन्होंने आम आदमी को आध्यात्मिकता से जोड़कर सही मायनों में धर्म को जन-जन तक पहुंचाया।
मैं कामना करता हूं कि उनका शाश्वत संदेश न्याय, करूणा और सौहार्द से परिपूर्ण समाज का निर्माण करने में हमारा मार्गदर्शन करता रहे।“
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Manifold Rise in Khadi Sales following PM’s Push through “Mann ki Baat”
The sale of Khadi products across the country has grown tremendously since 2014, thanks to the repeated appeals of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to promote Khadi. Since October 2016, the single-day sale at Khadi India’s Flagship Outlet in Connaught Place, New Delhi, has crossed Rs 1 crore mark on 11 different occasions. This record performance of Khadi found a special mention in the latest episode of Prime Minister’s radio program “Mann kiBaat” aired on Sunday, 25th July.
What makes this performance even more significant is the fact that Khadi’s single-day sales exceeded Rs 1 crore for 4 times in October - November 2020, despite the economic distress and the fear surrounding Corona pandemic. Earlier in 2018 also, the single-day sales at Khadi’s CP outlet had crossed Rs 1 crore mark for 4 times. On 2nd October 2019, Khadi and Village Industries Commission  registered the highest single-day sale of Rs 1.27 crore at the CP outlet which continues to be a record till date.
It was for the first time on 22nd October, 2016, that the single day sale at Khadi India outlet in CP had reached Rs 1.16 crore. Earlier, the highest single day sale of Khadi stood at Rs 66.81 lakh that was recorded on 4th October 2014, just a day after the Prime Minister’s first address through “Mann kiBaat”. In the first episode of his radio program, the PM had appealed the countrymen to buy at least one Khadi product as it would help poor artisans to light lamps on Diwali.
KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena attributed the growth in Khadi sales to the constant support of the Prime Minister to promote Khadi. He said it is because of the Hon’ble PM’s appeals that a large number of people particularly youths have been inclined to buy Khadi. The growing buzz around “Swadeshi” has significantly helped lakhs of village industries prosper even during the challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic.
It is pertinent to mention that despite the severe impact of Covid-19 pandemic, KVIC, in 2020-21, registered its highest ever annual turnover of Rs 95,741.74 crore, as compared to Rs 88,887 crore turnover in 2019-20, and thus registering a growth of 7.71%.
Khadi’s Single Day Sale Figure
· October 4, 2014 – Rs 66.81 lakh
· October 2, 2015 – Rs 91.42 lakh
· October 22, 2016 – Rs 116.13 lakh
· October 17, 2017 – Rs 117.08 lakh
· October 2, 2018 – Rs 105.94 lakh
· October 13, 2018 – Rs 125.25 lakh
· October 17, 2018 – Rs 102.72 lakh
· October 20, 2018 – Rs 102.14 lakh
· October 2, 2019 – Rs 127.57 lakh
· October 2, 2020 – Rs 102.24 lakh
· October 24, 2020 – Rs 105.62 lakh
· November 7, 2020 – Rs 106.18 lakh
· November 13, 2020 – Rs 111.40 lakh
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN ARMY COMMITTED TO WELLBEING OF VETERANS AFFECTED BY COVID
The Indian Army is taking multiple steps to enhance its medical capacities on account of rise in COVID cases amongst the veterans and their dependents. In these trying times, Indian Army is committed to give COVID care and treatment to our Veterans and wishes to reassure them that they can approach the nearest Army facility for any kind of assistance.
Directorate of Indian Army Veterans in conjunction with ECHS & HQs of Area & Sub Area is continuously coordinating support to the Veterans & their dependents. Veterans affected by COVID are being guided & assisted in getting medical advice and admission in various hospitals. The Base Hospital at Delhi and Service Hospitals at all military stations are working tirelessly to accommodate maximum Veterans and are continuously ramping up their capacities to ensure enhanced availability of beds.
While all efforts are being made to attend to the needs of COVID affected Veterans, it is sincerely urged to stay at home and remain steadfast in dealing with the pandemic by following all safety precautions and COVID protocols. Colonel Veterans of various stations have been instructed to maintain contact with the ESM Cells over the COVID situation and Emergency numbers have been activated to be manned at each station round the clock. The contact information of all COVID Helplines of Indian Army is available on www.indianarmyveterans.gov.in
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Cabinet approves fixed term for Chairperson and Members of the National Trust
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to amend Section 4 and Section 5 of the National Trust for the Welfare of Person with Autism, Cerebral Plasy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 to fix the term of the Chairperson and Members of the Board of National Trust for three years.
Section 4 of the National Trust Act, 1999 provides that the Chairperson or a Member of the Board of National Trust would continue in office beyond the prescribed term of three years until his successor shall have been duly appointed. In case of resignation of the Chairperson, section 5 of the Act provides for him to continue in office until his successor is duly appointed by the Government. The wording of the above provisions of the Act in its present form has resulted in continuation of a Chairman for an indefinite period as no suitable successor could be found eligible for appointment. The proposed amendments in these provisions of the Act seek to avoid such a situation and will thus eliminate any chance of prolonged continuation in the same post by any incumbent.
Ministry of Tourism
Heritage Walk for School students by India Tourism to celebrate National Tourism Day
Panaji, January 25, 2023
India Tourism Office under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Tourism organized a heritage walk for school students today. 55 students from two schools namely Don Bosco School, Panaji and Jnanprasarak Vidyalaya, Mapusa participated in the Heritage Walk. Taking a tour from Don Bosco School to Azad Maidan, Panaji, the students were guided about India’s freedom struggle and History Goa by an approved guide.
India has a rich cultural heritage, which attracts a large number of foreign tourists. National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25 by the government to promote tourism in our country and to increase awareness.
Ministry of Defence
32nd EDITION OF INDO-THAI COORDINATED PATROL 
The 32nd edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol  between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy is being conducted from 12 – 14 November 2021. Indian Naval Ship  Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship  Tayanchon, a Khamrosin Class Anti-submarine Patrol Craft, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies are participating in the CORPAT.
Towards reinforcing maritime links between the two countries and with an aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade, the two navies have been undertaking CORPAT bi-annually since 2005 along their International Maritime Boundary Line . CORPAT builds up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates institution of measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like Illegal Unreported Unregulated  fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy. It further helps enhance the operational synergy by exchange of information for prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and for conduct of search and rescue  operations at sea.
As part of Government of India’s vision of SAGAR , the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region towards enhancing regional maritime security. This has been through bilateral and multilateral exercises, Coordinated Patrols, Joint EEZ Surveillance, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief  operations. The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy have especially enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years.
The 32nd Indo-Thai CORPAT will contribute towards Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship between India and Thailand.
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ABB/VM/JSN
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PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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- 181.56 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 23,913
- Active cases stand at 0.06%
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.74%
- 2,741 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,24,70,515
- 1,581 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate 
- Weekly Positivity Rate 
- 78.36 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 5,68,471 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
#Unite2FightCorona #IndiaFightsCorona
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA